Mr. George Stephen Byars

George Stephen (Steve) Byars George Stephen (Steve) Byars, 65, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, October 29, 2015, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Steve was raised and educated in Jasper, attending Central School and graduating from Walker County High School in 1968. Steve attended Samford University, where he majored in finance and graduated in only three years. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Alabama School of Law, and graduated Order of the Coif in 1974. After law school, Steve clerked for Federal Judge Foy Guin in Birmingham before moving back to Jasper to practice law with Hoyt Elliot Sr. and Philip Laird. Instead of continuing his legal practice, Steve joined his father and mother in the insurance business in 1975. Steve was president of Byars Insurance for 30 years and never retired. Through hard work, Steve was instrumental in growing Byars Insurance Agency from two employees and a desk to Byars|Wright Insurance with 34 employees across two branches. He believed in people, and this kindhearted attitude was not only evident in his personal life, but also demonstrated throughout his professional career. He had a deep love for his employees and was passionate about creating a work environment where every individual, regardless of job title, felt as if their role was vital to the company's overall success. His customers were loyal to him, and that loyalty was always reciprocated. He was viewed as a trusted advisor, a hard worker and the "go to" source for anything insurance related. But overall, customers chose Steve because they genuinely liked and trusted him. Steve saw his role in Jasper as that of a steward and gave selflessly to his community. He was involved in numerous civic organizations in Walker County. He served as chairman of the Jasper City School Board, director of the Walker College Foundation and director of the Chamber of Commerce, among others. Steve had a wide palate for reading, music, travel and sports. He loved history, movies, Johnny Cash, basketball, the outdoors and Auburn sports. He felt a kinship with the earth, and one of his passions was leading a group of young men on autumn hikes through the Appalachian Trail, providing memories that were both spiritual and comedic. Steve loved to play chess, but never found as adequate a partner as his longtime pal, Tom Nicholson, who passed many years ago. Another love in his life was ham radio, a hobby that provided an outlet during the five years in which the family welcomed three children, and allowed him to communicate with people around the world. Steve often cheered for the underdog and was happier to step aside and let others receive the credit. A master in the art of people, Steve took people as they were and loved them for who they were. Steve loved to kid with his friends but did so delicately, knowing exactly what buttons to push without going over the line. A devoted family man, Steve poured his life into the lives of his children and grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Poppie” by his grandchildren, Steve went out of his way to attend the girls' softball games and the boys' baseball games, arranging meticulous schedules to travel from town to town. Steve and his wife, Emily, shared 44 wonderful years traveling to many beautiful places and experiencing a wide variety adventure together. Their family is his legacy. Steve made living the good life seem effortless, but his true goodness emanated from his personal walk with Jesus Christ. Steve’s Bible was worn out from study; he believed in the Word of God deeply and made it his daily joy to apply the principles he learned to his life. Steve was a lifelong member and servant of Jasper’s First Baptist Church. When he was named deacon in 1976, he was the youngest deacon ever appointed. He served on several church committees and taught Sunday school for 45 years, where he helped his students to soar through Christian discipleship. Steve’s favorite hymn was “I’d Rather Have Jesus”, and his faith is best described in a statement by his mother: “He became a Christian at 14, and since then, he’s worked for God and never stopped.” Steve is preceded in death by his father, G.L. Byars Jr. He is survived by his mother, Jean H. Byars; his wife, Emily Banks Byars; brother, Tom Byars and his wife, Carol; daughter, Jill Gaston and her husband, Matt; son, John Byars and his wife, Amy; daughter, Rebekah Cooper and her husband, Kyle; and ten grandchildren, Maggie, Katherine and George Gaston, Sallie, Luke, Zach and Molly Byars and Emily, Anna Jane and Claire Cooper. Steve saw a light in everyone he encountered and shared his time generously, regardless of social position. He possessed the unique gift of making others feel like they matter. Steve lived a complete and happy life. He was a loyal friend, a humble servant and a gentleman. He touched many lives before passing peacefully into the Lord’s heaven. His quiet presence will be missed. Arrangements for Steve are as follows: Visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, from 1 to 4 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Jasper. Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, at 1 pm., at First Baptist Church of Jasper. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Steve Byars Scholarship Foundation – P.O. Box 2263, Jasper, AL 35502.